Obama: Bombing response inspires us

Apr. 15, 2014
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Massachusetts state and local police and fire department members stand near the site of one of the bombs following a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. / Jared Wickerham, Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the timing of this year's Boston Marathon.

A year after the Boston Marathon bombing, President Obama said Tuesday that the city's stirring response continues to inspire the nation.

"With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city," Obama said in a written statement.

Resuming the race is another way "to show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again," Obama said.

The president said the nation remembers the four people who lost their lives in the bombing and its aftermath, as well as those still struggling to recover.

Obama thanked all the law enforcement officers and first responders, saying they "displayed the spirit Boston was built on - perseverance, freedom and love."

Obama's statement in full:

"A year ago, tragedy struck at the 117th Boston Marathon. Four innocent people were killed that week, and hundreds more were wounded. Today, we remember Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and Sean Collier. And we send our thoughts and prayers to those still struggling to recover.

"We also know that the most vivid images from that day were not of smoke and chaos, but of compassion, kindness and strength: A man in a cowboy hat helping a wounded stranger out of harm's way; runners embracing loved ones, and each other; an EMT carrying a spectator to safety.

"Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. And we offer our deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, runners and spectators who, in an instant, displayed the spirit Boston was built on - perseverance, freedom and love.

"One year later, we also stand in awe of the men and women who continue to inspire us - learning to stand, walk, dance and run again. With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city. And when the sun rises over Boylston Street next Monday - Patriot's Day - hundreds of thousands will come together to show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again."